Programs like the Genesee County Land Bank Authority’s (GCLBA) Clean & Green initiative show how resident engagement can combat illegal dumping. Clean & Green participants are Flint residents who help maintain vacant lots through mowing, cleanup, and beautification. Their contributions supplement local government capacity and fosters neighborhood pride.

Beyond aesthetics, these programs improve public health and safety. A 2018 study found that areas maintained by Clean & Green groups saw 30 percent fewer assaults, 40 percent fewer violent crimes, and lower rates of child abuse and youth gun violence.

However, illegal dumping remains a big challenge. Over 80 percent of participants report dealing with illegal dumping on a regular basis, leading to frustration and declining morale.

Working with the University of Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center (YVPC), the land bank enlisted the help of Clean & Green participants to pilot an illegal dumping inventory. An illegalm dumping inventory is a point-in-time survey to document the location and severity of illegal dumping across Flint’s vacant lots.

Programs like the Genesee County Land Bank Authority’s (GCLBA) Clean & Green initiative show how resident engagement can combat illegal dumping. Clean & Green participants are Flint residents who help maintain vacant lots through mowing, cleanup, and beautification. Their contributions supplement local government capacity and fosters neighborhood pride.

Beyond aesthetics, these programs improve public health and safety. A 2018 study found that areas maintained by Clean & Green groups saw 30 percent fewer assaults, 40 percent fewer violent crimes, and lower rates of child abuse and youth gun violence.

However, illegal dumping remains a big challenge. Over 80 percent of participants report dealing with illegal dumping on a regular basis, leading to frustration and declining morale.

Working with the University of Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center (YVPC), the land bank enlisted the help of Clean & Green participants to pilot an illegal dumping inventory. An illegalm dumping inventory is a point-in-time survey to document the location and severity of illegal dumping across Flint’s vacant lots.

Programs like the Genesee County Land Bank Authority’s (GCLBA) Clean & Green initiative show how resident engagement can combat illegal dumping. Clean & Green participants are Flint residents who help maintain vacant lots through mowing, cleanup, and beautification. Their contributions supplement local government capacity and fosters neighborhood pride.

Beyond aesthetics, these programs improve public health and safety. A 2018 study found that areas maintained by Clean & Green groups saw 30 percent fewer assaults, 40 percent fewer violent crimes, and lower rates of child abuse and youth gun violence.

However, illegal dumping remains a big challenge. Over 80 percent of participants report dealing with illegal dumping on a regular basis, leading to frustration and declining morale.

Working with the University of Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center (YVPC), the land bank enlisted the help of Clean & Green participants to pilot an illegal dumping inventory. An illegalm dumping inventory is a point-in-time survey to document the location and severity of illegal dumping across Flint’s vacant lots.